GAME REPORT

Late Fener Show Finally Sees Off Arras

Ivana Matovic contributed a game-high 22 points for Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce fans expecting their club to turn on the style and trash struggling Arras were left sorely disappointed as the Turkish giants laboured to an 81-75 win against the basement dwellers of EuroLeague Women Group B.

With a little over three minutes remaining, it had looked like one of the biggest shocks of the season could potentially materialise as Arras continued to cling on to their illustrious opponents when Dawn Evans made it a one-shot game at 67-64.

But, Fenerbahce finally clicked, scoring seven of the next ten points in crunch time to break Arras hearts, the visitors having dreamed of another win after only realising their first success of the season a week earlier.

Although to their utmost credit, even when Fener had moved 77-69 ahead with just sixty seconds left, Arras still attempted to revive a potential shock as Evans drained a three-pointer followed by a jump-shot by Olesia Malashenko.

However, it wasn't quite enough although if nothing else, the display should give confidence ahead of their continued relegation battle in the all-important French League.

Once again, it was veteran Sandra Dijon who gave the MVP performance for Arras, finishing with seven-of-nine floor shooting en route to 16 points. She also added six rebounds and had no turnovers.

Ieva Kublina made her debut after a recent move from UniGyor, but the Latvian managed only a handful of minutes off the bench.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes Fenerbahce vs. Arras

Fenerbahce head coach Roberto Iniguez

"We did not start well at the begınnıng of the 1st quarter then we took control the game. We played like a team who brings it to win it. Our offensive of percentages were bad but we got 14 offensıve rebounds and 21 assists. It shows we are a team. We will now play five games in a row so we must not lose our concentration."

Fenerbahce player Ivana Matovic

"We are happy to win. We played as a team."

Arras Coach Marc Silvert

"Of course we wanted to win. If we won we had chance to qualify. I am upset about this. We played good but not good enough."